Set aside political differences, don't jeopardise peace: PM Najib

In conjunction with the Warriors' Day, Datuk Seri Najib Razak called on all Malaysians to set aside their political differences so as not to jeopardise peace in the country.

The prime minister also urged the people to be grateful for all the blessings the country had enjoyed as the results of the deeds and sacrifices of the country's warriors.

"Let us send Al-Fatihah prayers and observe a minute of silence for the warriors who were killed in protecting the country's sovereignty. Thank you my warriors. Happy Warriors' Day," he said in his latest posting in his blog

www.najibrazak.com.

In the posting, Najib also shared incidents that had witnessed the sacrifices made by national security forces personnel, including the Lahad Datu intrusion in 2013.

"I still remember getting the news of the Lahad Datu intrusion in 2013. Many members of our security forces were killed and injured by the intruders in their efforts to defend the country's sovereignty," he said.

The prime minister said the whole country mourned together with the families who lost their loved ones in the tragedy and all the security personnel fought to their last breath to defend the nation.

He said the lesson to be learnt from the incident was that there could be threats anywhere and they could occur anytime.

"Today, there are reports on daily attacks launched by terrorists and extremist groups all over the world. Malaysia is not spared from these threats," he said.

However, he said, the warrior spirit and the efficiency of security forces had enabled peace to persist in the country.

Najib said the security forces had also proved that they were in full state of preparedness during the bomb attack by extremist group at Movida Bar & Lounge in Puchong, Selangor on June 28, which had also marred the image of Islam.

"Without the bravery and high fighting spirit of the Royal Malaysian Police and the Malaysian Armed Forces today, we would not be able to enjoy peace. They are warriors who are ready to sacrifice their lives to defend the nation," he said.

Najib also recounted the sacrifices of the security forces during the bloody Communist attacks at Bukit Kepong Police Station in Muar in 1950 and in the Kuala Krau Police Station, Pahang, which not claimed the lives of police personnel but also their families.

"Many lives were sacrificed for the sake of peace and to protect our beloved country. That is why July 31 has been chosen as an important date in Malaysian history to celebrate Warriors' Day and commemorate the end of emergency era in 1960," he said.

Najib said the first Warriors' Day was celebrated on Aug 4, 1968 to commemorate the contributions of the warriors who died defending the nation.

"The freedom and peace we have enjoyed for almost 60 years is no excuse for us to be complacent about peace and public order. Today, we live in a world full of possibilities," he stressed.